Sanitary quick-connect vandal proof open drain stopper

ABSTRACT

A drain stopper assembly for selectively opening and closing a drain located within a basin, tub or sink A lifting frame assembly is situated within the drain body supporting a stopper. The lifting frame is provided with first and second annular regions selectively coupled to a piston caused to extend within and withdrawn from the drain body. In a first orientation, the piston extends within a first annular region allowing the stopper and lifting frame to be removable from the drain body while in a second orientation, the piston extends within a second annular region which prevents the stopper and lifting aim from being removed from the drain body.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/044,034 filed on Apr. 10, 2008

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to drain stoppers for basins, tubs, and sinks, and including apparatus for actuating up and down movement of a drain stopper, and still more particularly to a drain stopper and apparatus for actuating the drain stopper that allows for complete removal of the drain stopper directly from the drain pipe without the use of tools for thorough cleaning, while also having an installation configuration that, at the option of a user, inhibits tampering with the drain and drain stopper.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drain stoppers including lift rods and their linkage to drain assemblies have been employed for many years without any significant improvement. These assemblies generally include a ball rod assembly and linkage connecting the lift rod to the drain stopper including a pivot bar connected to the lower end of the lift rod which, in turn, is connected to a valve stem having a ball valve exposed inside a radially extending threaded tailpiece. As the lift rod is pulled upwardly, the drain stopper moves downwardly to close the drain opening and as the lift rod is pushed downwardly, the drain stopper rises from the drain collar allowing the basin to drain accordingly.

In that the lift rod and pivot bar are linked to one another, it is extremely difficult to remove the drain stopper from its collar to clean the drain body. This linkage provides for a natural ledge which catches hair and other debris causing significant sanitary and clogging issues oftentimes requiring costly plumbing repairs.

In addition to the above, drains employed in domestic installations do not present the same concerns as those of commercial installations. For example, it would greatly benefit a domestic user to be able to freely lift a drain plug from its supporting drain collar in order to clean the drain pipe. However, in a commercial installation, where theft and vandalism can be issues, it would be ideal to provide a drain plug and supporting lift rod which cannot be removed from the drain collar without a manipulative process which would not be readily apparent to an uninformed commercial user. Yet, the most ideal assembly is one in which the drain plug and lift rod can be reoriented between releaseable and locking configurations so that a single assembly can be used both domestically as well as commercially.

These and further objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent when considering the following disclosure and appended claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A drain stopper assembly for selectively opening and closing a drain located within a basin, tub or sink, said drain having an opening within said basin, tub or sink for facilitating the selective passage of water therethrough passed the drain collar and, drain body, a threaded tailpiece open to and extending transversely from said drain body, a piston positioned within said threaded tailpiece and connected to an actuator assembly for selectively extending a distal end of said piston within said drain body, said distal end being characterized as having a downwardly angled surface, a lifting frame moveable within said drain body, said lifting frame having first and second ends, said first end attached to a stopper sized to close said drain collar in a first position and extendable therefrom in a second position, said second end having first and second annular regions, each annular region being positionable to selectively receive said downwardly angled surface such that as said piston extends within said drain body from said threaded tailpiece, said stopper is caused to separate from said drain collar and as said piston withdraws from said drain body and into said threaded tailpiece, said stopper is caused to seat upon said drain collar and further when said downwardly angled surface extends within a first of said annular regions, said stopper and lifting frame are removable from said drain body and when said downwardly angled surface extends within a second of said annular regions, said piston prevents said stopper and lifting frame from being removed from said drain body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view in elevation of a first preferred embodiment of the drain stopper apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional side view in elevation showing details of the mechanism for raising and lowering the drain stopper in the present invention, and showing the drain a lowered (drain blocked) position.

FIG. 2B is the same view showing the drain in a raised (drain open) position.

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view showing a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, including alternative mechanical means for actuating the reciprocal movement of the ramp element of the present invention

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional perspective view thereof, showing the drain in a down (closed) position.

FIG. 4B is a lower perspective view thereof showing the drain in an up (open) position.

FIG. 4C illustrates the lifting frame of the inventive apparatus shown in a vandal proof or locked orientation.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view in elevation showing a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating how the reciprocating ramp can be driven pneumatically, and showing the drain in an up (open) position.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side view thereof showing the drain in a down (closed) position

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring first to FIGS. 1 through 5B, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, there is illustrated therein a new and improved sanitary quick connect vandal proof open drain stopper apparatus. These views show that in each of the preferred embodiments, the inventive apparatus is adapted for installation on a conventional sink, tub or basin 10 (and referred to genetically as “basin” herein), the basin having bottom portion 12 with drain collar 14 disposed in the lowest area for draining fluids form the basin. The fluids pass through the drain collar, into and through drain body 16 and, in turn, through drain tailpiece 18, and then through a trap for eventual routing to a sewer or septic system (not shown). Although the present invention can be actuated by any well known expedient, for the sake of example, the present figures illustrate a basin that includes apron 20 with pull rod 22 having lower end 24 slidably mounted in installation opening 26 and having knob 28 at its top for easy up-down reciprocating operation. As with most convention drain assemblies, the drain body includes radially extending threaded tailpiece 30 having a threaded male end for securing a female nut and washer (these latter elements not shown, as they form no part of the present invention).

The conventional drain assembly includes a ball rod assembly and linkage connecting the lift rod to the drain stopper, and this includes a pivot bar connected to the lower end of the lift rod, which is, in turn, connected to a valve stem having a ball valve exposed inside the radially extending threaded tailpiece on the drain body. The lift rod is pulled upwardly to move a drain stopper down to close drain opening 34. In each of the preferred embodiments, this assembly has been replaced, in whole or in part, by elements for actuating the up-down movement of the drain stopper. Those embodiments are described as follows

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the sanitary quick-connect vandal proof drain stopper of the present invention, which is generally denominated 100 herein. In this embodiment, cable 120 is actuated by lift rod 22 as the actuating force. Lower end 24 of the lift rod is slidably inserted into cable actuator 110 which is linked to cable 120 and lower end 130 of threaded nut 140. The nut is threadably installed on hollow cylindrical piston chamber 150 which is screwed onto the threaded male end of radially extending threaded tailpiece 30 of the drain body. Slidably disposed within the piston chamber is piston 160 with a downwardly angled end 170 forming a ramp that is driven laterally by the actuating force of the cable to extend into the drain body when the lift rod is pushed down Alternatively, the piston is pulled from the drain body when the lift rod is pulled up. The piston further includes a generally flat distal end 175. Passage of fluid from the drain body through the piston chamber is prevented by the use of seal 180 disposed within the threaded tailpiece and around the piston with extremely small clearance, such that the seal prohibits fluid passage while still allowing reciprocating movement of the piston.

Referring next to FIGS. 3-4B, there is shown second preferred embodiment 300 of the present invention, the discussion of which will be employed to provide details relating to the drain stopper elements of the inventive apparatus As will be immediately evidence from these views, the piston 160 can be driven by cable, mechanical linkage and air. In every instance, when extending laterally into the drain body, the angled ramp end 170 of the piston engages annular end 190 of lifting frame 200 Extending vertically and upwardly form the annular end 190 are at least two and preferably four generally rectangular (or slightly arcuate) vertical posts 210. Legs 220 extend downwardly from two opposing posts and connect to a semi-circular lock 230 which is spaced apart from the annular end 190 so as to form slot 240. The slot is sized to accommodate the entire width of the piston with a small clearance

At the top of the lifting frame is boss 250 into which stopper rod 260 may be threadably connected. The stopper rod extends downwardly from drain stopper 270, which is selectively moved up and down to open and close the drain opening.

Still referring to FIGS. 3-4C, in the second preferred embodiment 300, the lift rod is swivelingly connected to cam rod 310, which is pivotally connected to cam 320, having an axle 330 extending from opposite sides of the cam and rotatably disposed in a slotted socket 340 coupled to piston cylinder 150 As the cam is rotated by pulling and pushing the lift rod, cam lobe 350 engages distal end 175 of piston 160. Excursion of the piston ramp from the drain body is actuated by optional helical spring 360 coiled around the piston and which is compressed as the piston is driven inwardly by the cam

FIG. 4C shows how the lifting frame 200 can be oriented such that the piston tamp moves through slot 240 between annular end 190 of the lifting frame and semi-circular lock 230 When so oriented, when the drain stopper is in the up position, the ramp will prevent removal of the drain stopper, and thus prevent tampering with the stopper and/or the drain However, simply placing the stopper in its down (closed position), and withdrawing the piston from the drain opening, the lifting frame can be rotated 180° so that the lock is moved away from the ramp. In this orientation, show in FIG. 4A, the drain stopper can be popped up with the lift rod and entirely removed from the drain body simply by pulling it out. No tools are required and no mechanical linkage is involved in the removal process So in a domestic installation, the stopper can be freely removed (FIG. 4A) and in a commercial installation where theft can be a problem, the stopper cannot be removed unless the piston is completely withdrawn within the threaded tailpiece. In either case, once the piston is withdrawn into the threaded tailpiece, a brush can be extended within the drain and tailpiece for unimpeded cleaning.

In a third embodiment of the present invention 400, expandable pneumatic supply bellows 410 in bellows chamber 420 is operatively connected to lift rod lower end 24 to provide all under pressure through air supply tube 430 to expandable piston driving bellows 440 disposed in second bellows chamber 450. The proximal end 460 of the piston driving bellows is connected to medial shoulders 470 so as to push the piston into the drain body and pull it from the drain body as the bellows are expanded and deflated, respectively

As may be apparent from the foregoing, the sanitary quick-connect vandal proof open drain stopper of the present invention provides a dramatic improvement over corresponding devices of the prior art.

The above disclosure is sufficient to enable one of ordinary shill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationship and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention Such changes might involve alternative materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like.

Therefore, the above description and illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims 

1. A drain stopper assembly for selectively opening and closing a drain located within a basin, tub or sink, said drain having an opening within said basin, tub or sink for facilitating the selective passage of water therethrough passed the drain collar and drain body, a threaded tailpiece open to and extending transversely from said drain body, a piston positioned within said threaded tailpiece and connected to an actuator assembly for selectively extending a distal end of said piston within said drain body, said distal end being characterized as having a downwardly angled surface, a lifting frame moveable within said drain body, said lifting frame having first and second ends, said first end attached to a stopper sized to close said drain collar in a first position and extendable therefrom in a second position, said second end having first and second annular regions, each annular region being positionable to selectively receive said downwardly angled surface such that as said piston extends within said drain body from said threaded tailpiece, said stopper is caused to separate from said drain collar and as said piston withdraws from said drain body and into said threaded tailpiece, said stopper is caused to seat upon said drain collar and further when said downwardly angled surface extends within a first of said annular regions, said stopper and lifting frame are removable from said drain body and when said downwardly angled surface extends within a second of said annular regions, said piston prevents said stopper and lifting frame from being removed from said drain body.
 2. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1 wherein said first and second annular regions of said lifting frame are diametrically opposed to one another.
 3. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1 wherein said piston is capable of being withdrawn within said threaded tailpiece to substantially remove said downwardly angled surface from said drain body
 4. The drain stopper assembly of claim 1 wherein said actuator assembly comprises pressurized air in fluid communication with said piston employed to selectively move said piston within said threaded tailpiece.
 5. The drain stopper of claim 1 further comprising a helical spring for biasing said piston away from said lifting frame.
 6. The drain stopper of claim 1 wherein said actuator assembly comprises a lifting rod swivally connected to a cam rod and cam, said cam having a cam lobe coupled to said piston.
 7. The drain stopper of claim 1 wherein said actuator assembly comprises a lifting rod connected to a cable coupled to said piston.
 8. A method of converting a drain stopper assembly from one in which a drain stopper can be removed from an opening within a basin, tub or sink to one in which the stopper cannot be removed from said opening in said basin, tub or sink, said opening being situated within said basin, tub or sink for facilitating the selective passage of water therethrough passed the drain collar and drain body, providing a threaded tailpiece open to and extending transversely from said drain body, providing a piston positioned within said threaded tailpiece and connected to an actuator assembly for selectively extending a distal end of said piston within said drain body, said distal end being characterized as having a downwardly angled surface, providing a lifting frame moveable within said drain body, said lifting frame having first and second ends, said first end attached to a stopper sized to close said drain collar in a first position and extendable therefrom in a second position, and said second end having first and second annular regions, each annular region being positionable to selectively receive said downwardly angled surface such that as said piston extends within said frame body from said threaded tailpiece, said stopper is caused to separate from said drain collar and as said piston withdraws from said drain body and into said threaded tailpiece, said stopper is caused to seat upon said drain collar and further when said downwardly angled surface extends within a first of said annular regions, said stopper and lifting frame are removable from said drain body and when said downwardly angled surface extends within said second of said angular regions, said piston prevents said stopper and lifting frame from being removed from said drain body, said method further comprising lifting said stopper and lifting frame from said drain collar and rotating said stopper and lifting frame approximately 180° whereupon said lifting arm presents a first or second of said annular regions to said downwardly angled surface
 9. The method of claim 8 whereby said piston is withdrawn within said threaded tailpiece to substantially remove said downwardly angled surface from said drain body.
 10. The method of claim 8 whereby pressurized air is caused to pass within a line in fluid communication with said piston for selectively moving said piston within said threaded tailpiece.
 11. The method of claim 8 providing a helical spring for biasing said piston away from said lifting frame
 12. The method of claim 8 wherein a lifting rod is caused to swivally connect to a cam rod and cam, said cam having a cam lobe which is rotated for moving said piston 